Md. Chick-fil-A Vandalized Over CEO's Christian Beliefs on Marriage
A Chick-fil-A located in Frederick, Md., was vandalized over the weekend when same-sex marriage supporters decorated the store with a gay pride flag and glued pro-same-sex marriage stickers to the windows of the restaurant.
Cpl. Gregory Santangelo of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office told the Frederick News Post that cleaners had been hired to remove the stickers from the windows, which had been put in place using a heavy spray-on adhesive.
Earlier this month, a 30-year-old man of West Hollywood, Calif., was arrested for reportedly spray painting "tastes like hate" on the side of a Chick-fil-A in Torrance, Calif.
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The suspect, Manny Castro, explained his actions to The Huffington Post by saying: "Everybody is entitled to free speech, but it seems like for the gay tribe, this is more of an issue of equal rights – human rights. I'm against what these people stand for, what this company stands for. They're trying to take away what little rights we already have."
Although there are evidently some same-sex marriage reporters choosing to break the law to get their point across, the campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, Josh Levin, issued a statement to NBC Washington that read: "We abhor any vandalism or disrespect in this campaign.... We encourage our supporters to have conversations with people they know who may be undecided on the issue."
Conversely, a man in opposition to same-sex marriage recently set a box of Cheerios on fire on Aug. 5 in front of the General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Minn., and lost control of the flames.
Although this was not a defiant act of vandalism, the suspect involved, Michael Leisner, could potentially face criminal charges for his act – the fire spread to the lawn in front of the General Mills office.
These aggressive acts of protest come after Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy confirmed in early July that, according to his Christian faith, he firmly supports traditional marriage.
A series of protests against the Georgia-based fast food chain by same sex marriage advocates ensued shortly after Cathy's statements.
Conversely, those admiring Cathy's steadfast Christian faith showed their support on "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" by visiting their local restaurants on Aug. 1 to buy the food chain's trademark fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
